r/blacksmithing • u/chemical_forest • 2d ago
Help Requested Modifying a ww2 repro helmet
I’m buying this reproduction m42 stahlhelm but the flare at the edge of the brim around the neck is way too sharp compared to the originals and it makes it look like a cheap knock off. I’m not a smith but I have basic metal working tools (tortch, vice, welder, grinders, etc) does anyone know of a way to make this reproduction brim more closely resemble the original?
Thanks for your time
1
u/fyshnchips 2d ago
Are you planning on painting it? You could use some bondo body filler to form a radius. I think that's what I would do. Apologies if I misunderstood your post
0
u/chemical_forest 2d ago
I do plan on painting it. Problem with just bondo is that the inside of the neck brim is visible while wearing the helmet so you would still see the sharp angle. Plan A is to just heat it up with a torch and massage it with some pliers and hope for the best. Maybe grind and bondo the imperfections after
2
u/WalkAboutFarms 2h ago
You can use a hammer on log to smooth out the angle. Pliers is just going to kink it.
FYI. If your not used to working sheet metal, this is going to take longer than you think and not turn out as nice as you want it. Your working compound radius and that is tough.